VIKRAM-1 ROCKET

News: Vikram-1, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, is set to become India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle.

About

  • Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based space-tech startup.
  • Named after Vikram Sarabhai, the Father of India's Space Programme.
  • Designed to launch small satellites into orbit.
  • Unlike Vikram-S (2022), Vikram-1 is an orbital launch vehicle, capable of placing satellites into Earth's orbit.

Key Features

  • Type: Four-stage small-lift orbital launch vehicle.
  • Launch Orbits: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
  • Payload Capacity: 480 kg to LEO, 290 kg to SSO.
  • Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
  • Structure: Lightweight carbon-composite material.

Technology

  • First three stages: Solid-fuel Kalam motors.
  • Upper stage: Liquid-fuel Raman engine for precise orbital insertion.
  • Uses 3D-printed engine components and indigenous stage separation systems.

Recent Developments

  • Kalam-1200 first-stage motor successfully underwent static testing.
  • Rocket hardware shifted to Sriharikota for final integration and launch preparations.
  • Launch to be supervised by IN-SPACe with technical support from ISRO.
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